CLI Manager

Product Introduction

1. Definition: CLI Manager is a macOS desktop application (compatible with Apple Silicon ARM64 and Intel x64 architectures) designed as a centralized command-line interface (CLI) agent management tool. It falls under the technical category of developer productivity software, specifically targeting AI-powered CLI workflows.
2. Core Value Proposition: CLI Manager exists to eliminate context-switching chaos for developers juggling multiple AI CLI agents (Claude Code, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI). Its primary value lies in centralized agent management, workflow optimization, and cross-editor integration, enabling streamlined AI development without terminal fragmentation.

Main Features

1. Unified Agent Dashboard
   CLI Manager aggregates Claude Code, Codex CLI, and Gemini CLI interfaces into a single visual dashboard. It uses process orchestration APIs to monitor active agents, display real-time statuses, and enable one-click activation/deactivation. Projects are organized via drag-and-drop categorization, reducing terminal sprawl.
2. Role-Based Agent Customization
   Users assign custom nicknames (e.g., "Frontend Dev," "API Debugger") and functional roles to each CLI agent. This leverages metadata tagging systems to contextualize workflows. Renamed agents appear consistently across sessions, making multi-agent collaboration intuitive and reducing cognitive load.
3. Editor Switching & Terminal Templating
   Integrates with editors like VS Code and Cursor via URI handler protocols. Developers configure default editors per project and switch instantly via hotkeys. Terminal templates automate Git worktree setups, port tracking, and environment variables, standardizing repetitive CLI tasks.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Fragmented terminal environments causing lost context, redundant setup, and workflow interruptions during AI agent switching.
2. Target Audience:
   • AI/ML engineers using Claude/Codex/Gemini CLI agents concurrently
   • Full-stack developers managing microservices via multiple terminals
   • DevOps specialists handling port-based project deployments
3. Use Cases:
   • Rapidly toggling between AI agents during cross-model testing
   • Maintaining separate CLI environments for frontend/backend tasks
   • Standardizing editor preferences across team repositories

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike manual terminal management or basic terminal multiplexers (e.g., tmux), CLI Manager offers visual agent mapping, role-based organization, and editor-native integrations—features absent in generic tools. Competitors lack AI-agent-specific controls.
2. Key Innovation: The terminal templating engine automates project-specific CLI setups (ports, worktrees, env variables), while its cross-editor URI routing enables instant context shifts without process termination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does CLI Manager support Windows or Linux?
   Currently, CLI Manager is exclusively available for macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), with no announced Windows/Linux versions.
2. How does CLI Manager handle concurrent AI agent sessions?
   The tool isolates agent processes, allocates dedicated resources, and provides CPU/memory monitoring to prevent conflicts during parallel execution.
3. Can I integrate custom CLI tools beyond Claude/Codex/Gemini?
   Yes, CLI Manager’s extensible framework supports adding third-party CLI agents via YAML configuration files for custom command routing.
4. Is there a CLI Manager VS Code extension?
   While no dedicated extension exists, deep editor integration allows one-click project launches in VS Code/Cursor via URI handlers.
5. How does CLI Manager improve team collaboration?
   Shared terminal templates and standardized agent naming conventions ensure consistency across development environments, reducing onboarding friction.